The Washington Wizards will return to the court on Thursday night to take on the Utah Jazz, but it will mark the debut of one of the franchise's biggest players
Washington Wizards (16-45) (11-21 home) vs. Utah Jazz (18-44) (7-23 away)
When: Thursday, March 5, 7:00 PM
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
TV: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
The wait is over in the district. Thursdays matchup against the Utah Jazz will be star point guard Trae Young's first game as a Washington Wizard with tip-off set for 7 PM inside the district.
Just months now after the blockbuster trade that sent the All-Star from the Atlanta Hawks to D.C. is fully in effect.
The Wizards could not have his debut at a better time, as they look to snap their six game losing skid. This is their third longest losing streak of the season with the majority of their losses coming against solid playoff and play-in teams (Hawks, Raptors, Rockets, Magic).
Washington will ultimately be coming off their loss on Tuesday against Orlando, where they lost 126-109. Magic star Paolo Banchero put up a season high 37-points against Washington in Orlando.
Despite the losses, the Young era begins at home against a bottom of the western conference Utah Jazz team, a great opportunity to begin to gel on the floor. Before coming to Washington and getting injured, Young averaged 19.3 PPG and 8.9 AST PG in Atlanta. This dynamic scoring and passing threat can bring together a new style and strengthen skills for this young core.
According to Wizards head coach Brian Keefe, Young will be on a minutes restriction for Thursdays game, not putting a ton of pressure on him in his debut.
In terms of new faces in the district, the big man and former University of Maryland star Julian Reese put up a solid outing in his second game/start for the Wizards on Tuesday. Reese finished with 9 points and 8 rebounds in the loss, playing 33 minutes in that contest.
Besides Young off the injury board, the list still remains the same for Washington as of Thursday morning. Alex Sarr OUT (Hamstring), Anthony Gill game-time decision (Illness), Tristan Vukcevic OUT (thigh), Jamir Watkins OUT (Ankle), and Kyshawn George OUT (Elbow).
For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen remains OUT (Hip).
This game has serious draft implications for both teams. The Jazz currently sit 26th in the league overall and the Wizards bringing up the rear at 27th. In this tank-fest, a win could be significant in the wrong direction for either of these teams, just two wins apart from each other.